Presenter Bio - Laura Hood

Laura Hood (she/hers) is currently the Manager of Stamp Programs at the University of Maryland in College Park and is responsible for campus-wide programming and co-advising the Student Entertainment Events programming board.

For the past 10 years, she has been a full-time staff member of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union Activities Team. She programs campus-wide programming that is centered around student traditions such as Homecoming, Maryland Day, Terps After Dark, and more. In addition, she also serves as the co-adviser of the student programming board, Student Entertainment Events (SEE). For the past 10 years, she has seen every type of giveaway, promotional tactic, or request for a superstar. She breathes student engagement in all she does.

Laura earned a Master’s in Higher Education from the University of Delaware (Go Blue Hens!) and received her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Fine Arts (Graphic Design) from Arcadia University (Go Knights!). Her academic journey has been incredibly rewarding, providing her with a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of student affairs and event planning.

At the University of Maryland, Laura strives to create memorable and inclusive experiences for the diverse student body. Each event, from the spirited UMD Homecoming to the lively All Niter, is designed to foster community and celebrate the vibrant campus culture. The joy and excitement on the faces of students during these events make all the hard work worthwhile.

When she’s not in the SEE Office, Laura can be found at the nearest Starbucks or Target or hitting the pavement around College Park, listening to comedy podcasts. When she has time, she finds that either running or Target shopping with friends is a great way to clear her mind and stay active.

Laura lives in College Park with her husband, who is also a staff member at UMD, their 8-year-old ice skating, Pokemon French-speaking daughter, and the cutest one-year-old boy you'll ever meet. The Hood family is a UMD family through and through, cherishing the time spent together attending university events, cheering on the Terps, and enjoying the vibrant community they are proud to be a part of.